Jessica Aber dies unexpectedly from epilepsy-related condition

In March, Jessica Aber, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Alexandria, Virginia. She was found deceased in her sleep on March 22, at the age of 43. Following an investigation, officials from the medical examiner's office determined that her cause of death was sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. This condition is a rare complication of epilepsy where individuals can die unexpectedly without warning during their sleep. Police indicated that there was no evidence of foul play, which reassured the family during their time of grief. Jessica Aber had been confirmed to have epilepsy and had struggled with related seizures for many years. This chronic neurological disorder causes recurrent seizures, affecting approximately 1.2 percent of people in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite having the condition, she served as a U.S. attorney from 2021 until early 2025, contributing significantly to legal efforts against serious national security breaches, including prosecuting cases related to CIA leaks. Aber received recognition for her exceptional service during her tenure, which included being awarded by the Department of Justice. Prior to her resignation, she was involved in high-profile cases and consistently stressed the importance of her role in fostering trust within the community while ensuring that laws were enforced responsibly. Tragically, her sudden death prompted her family to issue a statement that highlighted their shock and grief, along with their request for privacy during this profoundly difficult time. The tragic passing of Jessica Aber emphasizes the potential for sudden death in individuals with epilepsy, a reminder of the unpredictability associated with this condition. Such losses affect not only families but also communities, as seen through the outpouring of condolences and recognition of Aber's professional contributions. Her work in the legal field, particularly in managing sensitive national security cases, has left a lasting impact, and her untimely death will be felt by many who knew her or worked alongside her in public service.